Three of our boys swam on a team that won the city championship last weekend. The celebration was a spectacle. Imagine 250 kids jumping into a pool and splashing around like they’ve lost their minds. It’s a lotta fun, but for the younger swimmers can get a little dangerous! My seven-year-old son Titus was in the melee and started having trouble keeping his head above the waves. I emptied my pockets and prepared to dive in. Just then, Jack, another boy on the team, snagged little Titus. He piggy-backed him around the pool so Titus could enjoy the fun and still breathe! Jack is eleven years old. Eleven. Years. Old. When he noticed a younger teammate was struggling, he sprang into action. I’m fighting back tears as I type this! What eleven-year-old (boy!) does that?! My wife and I found Jack at the after party and thanked him. We sought out his parents and commended them for raising such a thoughtful boy. Those parents happen to be Christians. Hmm. I am struck by how clearly this verse illustrates John 13:35. Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” I drew some conclusions about that family from the actions of their young child (whether fairly or unfairly). In many ways, the world is doing the same thing with you and me. How are we loving those on the team? What message is that sending?

Is premarital sex a biblical sin? If given the choice between talking to their kids about sex and having a root canal, many parents would opt for the dental work. But the truth is, your kids need to hear from you on topics like steering clear of premarital sex. And while nothing can completely eliminate all those awkward feelings, you can lean into a few ideas that will take the sting out of the birds and the bees.

Sneaky ways selfishness waters down gratitude: As men, fathers, and husbands, gratitude is one of our most significant tools. Unfortunately, the selfishness that betrays us all can be the ultimate gratitude killer. Selfishness thrives in a life that’s not aligned with God, so the end result is always the same: pain and destruction. The key for us dads is to root selfishness out of our lives so the Father’s character can shine through.

“Learning to love unselfishly is not an easy task. It runs counter to our self-centered nature.” – Rick Warren

“Do not waste time bothering whether you “love” your neighbor; act as if you did.” – C.S. Lewis

“The world does not understand theology or dogma, but it understands love and sympathy.” – D.L. Moody

Love someone. While that may sound abstract and no-duh-obvious, perhaps the story above can help you spot the person you need to love. It’s the one struggling to keep his or her head above the water. They’re in the seas of life, but, can’t seem to rise above the waves. Maybe their struggle is financial, personal, physical or relational. Look around. Who needs a piggy-back ride? Uh, metaphorically speaking, that is. Go snag them and offer some help.

Kent Evans
Author of The Manhood Journey, co-founder of Manhood Journey and Father On Purpose.

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.